Liǧʷiłdaxʷ TERRITORY/CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The BC Salmon Farmers Association remains alarmed that the scheme to replace current modern marine net-pen salmon farming with closed-containment technology in British Columbia continues to be unrealistic, especially in the context of the current global business environment. A recently released government-commissioned report titled British Columbia Salmon Aquaculture Land-Based Siting and Alternative Technology Assessment evaluates the potential for replacing modern marine salmon farming with developmental technology. While BC salmon farmers support continued innovation in salmon aquaculture, we know it has to be rooted in sustainability and affordability for Canadians.
The authors note that BC salmon farmers are experts in operating land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to raise salmon. We are very familiar with the factors identified in the report that constrain growing BC’s current farm-raised production volume on land, including (the lack of): access to suitable land with agreements with Rights Holder First Nations, available renewable power, transportation infrastructure, access to clean freshwater and saltwater, communications infrastructure and obtaining provincial and federal permits. These limitations and the concerns raised by BC salmon farmers underscore why replacing the province’s existing marine net-pen production with closed-containment facilities is unrealistic.
The report recognizes that land-based systems require large capital investments to achieve even a modest increase in closed-containment production. A 2022 provincial RAS report noted capital requirements between $1.8 to $2.2 billion, which may now be underestimated due to construction inflation. Ongoing instability in the business environment in BC due to tariffs and the federal ban on marine net-pen farming licences past 2029 has created an unattractive investment environment, with numerous development projects and resources in new technologies being shelved. This severe uncertainty for the global investment community means these capital funds will be out of reach for Canadian salmon farmers in the foreseeable future.
The authors rightly point out that no producer using solely land-based technology has been able to produce fish at market volumes, and only a few have achieved 2,500 tonnes annually, many of these raising alternative species, not Atlantic salmon, which accounts for 97 percent of BC’s marine net-pen production. BC farmers currently produce about 50,000 tonnes annually, a 45 percent reduction in the last six years, and are still unable to meet market demand. Existing infrastructure, regulatory timelines and investment conditions do not support land-based facilities’ ability to achieve the current production volume in BC.
As experts, BC salmon farmers know that growing fish in closed-containment systems is significantly more expensive than in their natural ocean environment, as identified in the report. At a time when Canadians are concerned about affordability and food security, it would be irresponsible to move to more expensive, energy-intensive, unproven technology.
A key finding from the report is that the best approach to farming is to choose the best site and the best technology with a proven track record to sustainably farm nutritious, affordable salmon. In BC, this means utilizing land-based freshwater hatcheries and modern marine net-pens systems to grow healthy, affordable, high-quality salmon with a lower environmental impact.
The path to innovation for our global food-producing sectors must be guided by science-based decision-making. It must combine proven technologies, agreements with Rights Holder First Nations, realistic economic planning, and a shared commitment to food security and environmental stewardship.
ABOUT THE BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION
The BC Salmon Farmers Association represents nearly 60 businesses and organizations throughout the value chain of finfish aquaculture in BC. Our members account for over 95% of the annual provincial harvest of farm-raised salmon in British Columbia.
Farm-raised salmon generates over $1.17 billion for the provincial economy, supporting 4,560 well-paid full-time jobs. Additionally, farm-raised salmon provides a nutritious and high-quality protein that contributes to Canada’s food security and the Blue Economy.
BC salmon farmers are committed to reconciliation. All farms operating in BC are currently in agreement, negotiation, or established partnerships with First Nations in whose territories we operate. These agreements are founded upon recognizing First Nations’ right to exercise jurisdiction over the land, resources, and waters within their territories.
For more information, visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
For a comprehensive scientific summary of salmon farming in BC, read our Modern Science Review.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Franze
Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community
michelle@bcsalmonfarmers.ca
604-202-4417